Patti was born on July 24, 1945, in Munising, Michigan, to Joseph and Mercedes (Brebner) Boyak.

Patti grew up in Munising, graduating from Sacred Heart Catholic School, and then Munising High school in 1963. She worked briefly in Milwaukee soon after graduation, for Jack Winters Slacks. It was in Milwaukee where she met the love of her life, Jim Gamelin. They were married on November 28, 1964. Patti worked as a bookkeeper at First National Bank in Munising for many years, and then as a homemaker. Patti was very involved with her sons sporting events and other numerous school activities. Patti enjoyed working with her knitting, ceramics, and crafts. Patti made numerous wedding and birthday cakes for many in Munising. She especially enjoyed spoiling her beloved grandchildren! Later on, she and Jim enjoyed traveling all over the country in their motorhome discovering new places. Patti always had a smile on her face, and a welcoming heart.

Patti is survived by her husband of over 53 years, Jim, of Marinette, sons Louis (Andrea Horstmanshof) of Holt, MI, and Brian (Laurie) of Porterfield, WI. Six grandchildren, Carissa Gamelin of Escanaba, MI; Matthew Gamelin of Grand Haven, MI; Rachel and Bryce Gamelin of Porterfield, WI; Kayla Horstmanshof of Pontiac, MI; and Connor Horstmanshof of Grand Ledge, MI. She is also survived by brothers Richard (Marianne) Boyak of St. Clair Shores, MI, and Tom (Stella) Boyak of Wetmore, MI, sisters Kathleen (Jerry) Hatke of Christmas, MI, Susan (Ed) Yock of Green Valley, AZ, and Joanie (Bill) Jankowski of Temecula, CA. She is also survived by in-laws Bob (Barb) Gamelin of Munising, MI, Mary Jo Washam of Mayflower, AR, Bonnie Mannisto and Patti Whitaker, both of Gray Court SC. She is also survived by numerous cousins, nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Joseph and Mercedes (Brebner) Boyak, her father and mother-in-law, Louis and Agnes Gamelin, along with her brothers-in-law Red and Tommy Gamelin, Roger Washam, Bill Whitaker and sister-in-law Judy (Ernest) Monhead.

A private graveside service will be held for immediate family. A memorial mass will be celebrated at Sacred Heart Catholic Church on September 17th in Munising, MI.

Anyone wishing to honor Patti’s memory is asked to make a donation to their favorite animal shelter in her name.